Jan 2, 2017, 9:16 am
Last edit by: yugi
Ways to get high rewards or bonus on credit card spending:
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
Which card(s) to use for high spend or large purchases? [Consolidated]
Feb 28, 2015, 12:41 am
#121
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 21
Cap1 venture for 2% with easy redemption with a small travel expense. Barclays arrival + for 2.2% if you have a travel redemption for the full value. The chase idea is good. It's even better if you have a sapphire preferred for the 20% bonus on travel. If this is a hospital bill, try to negotiate! Many will lower a bill charged at patient pay rates to the same or near what they would have charged an insurance company. You have to ask though. Good luck! BamaCbat
Feb 28, 2015, 9:41 pm
#123
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 96
Also agree that you should negotiate where possible. Healthcare is surprisingly pliable, and you'll get more play out of that than you will with "rewards" on cards.
Apr 10, 2015, 7:33 am
#124
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1
Need help with CC Suggestions to maximize big expense
Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully offer some advice. I have a $17k dollar bill coming up in the next couple months and can pay with CC. I would really like to get as many points as possible with sign up bonuses etc. I already have the chase freedom, sapphire (wife also has), just canceled my citi platinum executive after completing the minimum spend. Please help suggest some cards to apply for. My credit score is 800. Thank you
May 2, 2015, 9:17 am
#125
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 696
Which Credit Card should I put my $5000 Expense
I am not sure if this is the right place to ask this. But I have a spending of $5000 each month to put on a credit card.
I have Arrival+ Barclay (2x on everything), Citi Premier (1x on everything other its category bonuses), and Club Carlson from US Bank (5x on everything)
That expense does not fall under any category bonus of Citi Premier or hotel stay. If you were to spend this, which credit card would you put on? I love redeem miles and points for traveling. If I put $5000 x 2= 10,000 miles in one month for Barclay (~100$ + 10% bonus when redeem for traveling). But Citi is nice to be able to transfer to airline miles and fly biz/first class. Club Carlson is good for hotel stays. Decision decision.
Thank you.
I have Arrival+ Barclay (2x on everything), Citi Premier (1x on everything other its category bonuses), and Club Carlson from US Bank (5x on everything)
That expense does not fall under any category bonus of Citi Premier or hotel stay. If you were to spend this, which credit card would you put on? I love redeem miles and points for traveling. If I put $5000 x 2= 10,000 miles in one month for Barclay (~100$ + 10% bonus when redeem for traveling). But Citi is nice to be able to transfer to airline miles and fly biz/first class. Club Carlson is good for hotel stays. Decision decision.
Thank you.
May 2, 2015, 10:02 am
#126
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: The Phoenix Desert
Programs: Hilton Cubic Zirconia, Marriott Fools Gold
Posts: 1,692
Given those three options, I'd pick the Arrival since you said you do a fair amount of traveling. But why not apply for a new card each month (or every couple of months) and earn a sign up bonus for each $5k you spend?
May 2, 2015, 10:05 am
#127
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 696
I wish I could just apply for credit card each month, then I would not have this dilemma. But I have to watch my credit score and hard inquires posted on my credit report too.
With Arrival+ 2.2% back is nice but I cannot transfer it to any airlines for first/biz class for international flights. But at this point, it does look like the best card to do this. Any other thoughts?
With Arrival+ 2.2% back is nice but I cannot transfer it to any airlines for first/biz class for international flights. But at this point, it does look like the best card to do this. Any other thoughts?
May 2, 2015, 10:38 am
#128
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Posts: 1,929
May 2, 2015, 5:04 pm
#129
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 369
If you have a good credit score, it will be immaterial. I just refinance my mortgage, not a single question on my dozen cards I opened in the past year. My score is 780+. It only dropped about 20-25 points in the past year. (fyi - got 3% fixed mortgage on 500k, amazing to me)
May 2, 2015, 6:18 pm
#130
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,857
It varies for everyone depending on what you place the most value on, of course, but if you're looking for most value per dollar spent with miles or points (rather than cash), check into Amex SPG cards or Chase UR (CSP or Ink) cards.
But, as others have pointed out, you'll definitely get the most if you get at least a few new cards during the year, and use this to meet the minimum spend on them. Most people drastically overestimate the effect on your credit of applying for new cards. It's pretty negligible, and usually leads to a higher credit score in the end. But, to each their own - we don't need to force it on you if it's completely out of the question for you.
But, as others have pointed out, you'll definitely get the most if you get at least a few new cards during the year, and use this to meet the minimum spend on them. Most people drastically overestimate the effect on your credit of applying for new cards. It's pretty negligible, and usually leads to a higher credit score in the end. But, to each their own - we don't need to force it on you if it's completely out of the question for you.
May 5, 2015, 9:25 am
#131
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 111
Hey guys - checking in. Wanted some advice.
About to book travel (hotel + flights) close to $20K using a TA for a honeymoon. Recently, churned the AA Platinum card from Citi for 50K miles x 2 people plus the US airways card for 50K x 1 person
What is the most financial savvy way to pay for this trip? Credit is excellent for both of us. Looking forward to your replies!
About to book travel (hotel + flights) close to $20K using a TA for a honeymoon. Recently, churned the AA Platinum card from Citi for 50K miles x 2 people plus the US airways card for 50K x 1 person
What is the most financial savvy way to pay for this trip? Credit is excellent for both of us. Looking forward to your replies!
Last edited by 1 million; May 5, 2015 at 9:34 am
Jul 23, 2015, 1:52 am
#132
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 2
Need to spend $5500. Which card should I get?
I have a bill that I have to pay soon, in the amount of $5500. I thought why let this go to waste when I can get a new credit card with a sign up bonus?
I have the offer for Amex platinum 100,000 points but I have to spend $10k in 3 months. This shouldn't be too hard after I spend the $5,500. And this card has a $495 annual fee.
Chase ink and sapphire have bonuses around 50k that kick in after just $3000 in purchases. Same with Marriott, who is currently offering an 80k point bonus.
I have 200k Amex reward points already, 250k Chase points, and 184k Marriott points.
I have never redeemed points for travel. I've been collecting points for a while but am not experienced in redeeming.
What would you do?
I have the offer for Amex platinum 100,000 points but I have to spend $10k in 3 months. This shouldn't be too hard after I spend the $5,500. And this card has a $495 annual fee.
Chase ink and sapphire have bonuses around 50k that kick in after just $3000 in purchases. Same with Marriott, who is currently offering an 80k point bonus.
I have 200k Amex reward points already, 250k Chase points, and 184k Marriott points.
I have never redeemed points for travel. I've been collecting points for a while but am not experienced in redeeming.
What would you do?
Jul 23, 2015, 2:00 am
#133
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Welcome to FT, OP.
What you really need is know what you really want.
Travel cards are not always for all people (as some people rarely travel or rarely pay for travel). In that case, you can look into everyday spending cards.
Since you have CSP already, I don't think Chase will give you another bouns.
How about Citi?
What you really need is know what you really want.
Travel cards are not always for all people (as some people rarely travel or rarely pay for travel). In that case, you can look into everyday spending cards.
Since you have CSP already, I don't think Chase will give you another bouns.
How about Citi?
Jul 23, 2015, 3:21 pm
#135
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Spending $4500 a week. Which card would you use?
Through my job, I just gained the opportunity to spend around $4500 a week on my credit card and be reimbursed for it. This is a dream come true for me!
I've been grabbing credit card sign up bonuses for a while now, so I've got a number of cards to choose from and I simply can't decided. Whichever card I choose cannot be used for any other expenses, and I will not be able to change it to another credit card unless absolutely necessary. Here are the cards I have that I:
Barclay Arrival
Barclay Arrival Plus
Capital One Venture
Capital One VentureOne
Capital One Quicksilver
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Freedom
Citi ThankYou Premier
Citi HHonors Visa Signature
IHG Rewards Club Select
Starwood Preferred Guest Amex
US Airways Aviator Red
Wyndham Rewards Visa ($69 AF)
The ones in bold are the cards that jump out at me at first, but I'd really value some more people's thoughts! As far as goals, my wife and I are planning a trip to Europe next summer on points/miles, but we're already well on our way to having the balances we need to make it happen. So I guess like any other CC travel enthusiast, I'd just like a strong balance of flexible points.
Although I absolutely love Chase Ultimate Reward points, I don't want to tie up my Freedom or CSP because of the bonus earning categories. However, my logic might be flawed here... I could also apply for another card and use it if there is something else yall think would be better. Amex PRG maybe? Anyways, let me know your thoughts. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?! Thanks!
I've been grabbing credit card sign up bonuses for a while now, so I've got a number of cards to choose from and I simply can't decided. Whichever card I choose cannot be used for any other expenses, and I will not be able to change it to another credit card unless absolutely necessary. Here are the cards I have that I:
Barclay Arrival
Barclay Arrival Plus
Capital One Venture
Capital One VentureOne
Capital One Quicksilver
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Freedom
Citi ThankYou Premier
Citi HHonors Visa Signature
IHG Rewards Club Select
Starwood Preferred Guest Amex
US Airways Aviator Red
Wyndham Rewards Visa ($69 AF)
The ones in bold are the cards that jump out at me at first, but I'd really value some more people's thoughts! As far as goals, my wife and I are planning a trip to Europe next summer on points/miles, but we're already well on our way to having the balances we need to make it happen. So I guess like any other CC travel enthusiast, I'd just like a strong balance of flexible points.
Although I absolutely love Chase Ultimate Reward points, I don't want to tie up my Freedom or CSP because of the bonus earning categories. However, my logic might be flawed here... I could also apply for another card and use it if there is something else yall think would be better. Amex PRG maybe? Anyways, let me know your thoughts. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?! Thanks!